Principles of evacuation and shelter for critical care

Evacuation of any healthcare site is much more complicated than evacuating a normal building. The occupants are already sick and will be dependent to varying degrees on staffing, observation, treatment, equipment and infrastructure. Learning from those involved in two separate fires in hospitals in North West London has helped to inform this video. It covers the principles of evacuation and shelter for critically ill and injured hospitalised patients. This video is for anyone who may be involved in a hospital evacuation. It will assist clinicians, emergency planners, and the wider emergency services to understand the risks/benefits of moving such patients, the command and control required and the advance preparation that could help.